Mayor Scott LeMay and the Garland City Council recently voted on a resolution to rename the Main Street Municipal Building in honor of the Honorable Ronald E. Jones. The building, located at 800 Main Street, will be called the Ronald E. Jones Municipal Building. The facility houses operations including the city’s permitting processes, planners, engineers, transportation officials and others.
The resolution included a recap of almost 30 years of public service that began in April 1977. Jones led numerous city departments and served as assistant city manager before retiring to run for mayor. He was elected the first time in May 2007 and served three consecutive two-year terms.
“Garland has been enriched by Mayor Jones’ presence, contributions, leadership and the immense body of work he has performed on the city’s behalf over the course of his career,” LeMay read from the resolution.
Jones was involved in several community service organizations including Kiwanis Club and Garland Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. In addition, he served on the Asian American Task Force, Association for Hispanic Affairs and Luna ES Campus Improvement Team. He also served on the boards of several organizations. A few of those include Garland Landmark Society, Regional Transportation Council, Garland Civic Theatre and Achievement Center of Texas.
The resolution continued, “In recognition of his dedicated service, the City Council honors and commemorates and thanks Mayor Ronald Jones for his civic participation, leadership, wise counsel and being an integral part of the Garland community.”
Jones talked about the first time he was sworn in as mayor. He said that during the oath of office, it hit him that he was the mayor, and his hands began to shake.
“The burden of responsibility was on me,” he said..
He needn’t have worried. He became one of Garland’s most respected and beloved leaders. His vast knowledge and experience allowed him to lead the city with the utmost confidence. And, just as importantly, he led with grace.
Jones added that naming this facility in his honor “enables him to be recommitted to being steadfast.” He will not only continue doing the work of the Lord, but also the work of this great city of Garland.
“For you [City Council] to…place my name on one of the facilities that you govern and manage gives me great honor. But it also requires greater work from me,” Jones said.
LeMay said a dedication ceremony will be scheduled for a later date. He commented that Main and Glenbrook would probably have to be closed for everyone that will want to share the dedication with Jones.